Chicago Bears' Initial 2014 Round-by-Round Draft Big Board

The draft season is beginning to heat up. The East-West Shrine Game and Senior Bowl are in the books, and teams are starting to formulate their draft boards.

Still ahead is the combine, pro days and free agency. These three events will drastically change the Bears' draft boards. Based on need and talent, we put together five players in each round the Bears will realistically look at.

First Round, 14th Pick

Mike Groll/Associated PressKhalil Mack

The Bears figure to go defense in the first round. They have holes along the defensive line and in the secondary. Expect Phil Emery to look for an impact player. If a guy he loves falls, he will draft him over a more pressing need.

1. OLB Anthony Barr, UCLA

Barr is the most dynamic edge-rusher in the draft. He figures to go in the top five, but if by some chance he falls to 10, look for the Bears to trade up and get him. He's the kind of impact player this defense needs.

Not far behind in the edge-rushing category is Mack. He dominated the MAC with 75 tackles for loss and 16 forced fumbles in his career. He will likely not get out of the top 10 but will be on the Bears' radar if he does.

3. CB Justin Gilbert, Oklahoma St.

Gilbert is the best shutdown corner in the draft. The Bears should be interested in him given the unsettled situation with Charles Tillman. Gilbert is a big-time playmaker with return skills to match. He's in the mode of Patrick Peterson.

4. DT Timmy Jernigan, Florida St.

The Bears were dead last in stopping the run last season. It makes all the sense in the world to plug in a run-stuffing tackle like Jernigan. He will likely be on the board when the Bears draft. The Bears will have to decide between him and the next player on the list.

5. DT Louis Nix III, Notre Dame

Injuries might scare the Bears and other teams away from Nix, but he was still a highly productive player. It will be interesting to see if the knee injury from which he's recovering takes away from his agility and athletic ability.

The Bears will likely show multiple looks on defense next season. Hageman is the perfect versatile player who can play in any defense. The hybrid defensive lineman has explosive ability that often has him on the other side of the line of scrimmage.

2. DE Michael Sam, Missouri

Julius Peppers might get released, and Corey Wootton is a free agent. The Bears need some depth at defensive end. Sam is the prototypical hand-in-the-ground pass-rusher. He has the size and speed to beat offensive tackles in the NFL.

3. FS Calvin Pryor, Louisville

There's no way Chris Conte will ever be allowed back on the Bears as a starting safety. The Bears will look to replace him, and Pryor would be the perfect choice. He tackles well and patrols the back end with precision.

4. CB Bradley Roby, Ohio St.

Roby is known for his great speed and ability to close on the football. The Bears could use another corner who forces turnovers and can keep up with the league's speedsters.

5. SS Ahmad Dixon, Baylor

Dixon offers immediate support in the box against the run. He's a hard hitter who will be an upgrade over the departing Major Wright.

Third Round, 18th Pick

Associated PressAndre Williams

The third round is where Emery likes to gamble. Brandon Hardin didn't work out. Who's the next player he will take a chance on?

1. WR De'Anthony Thomas, Oregon

Thomas is slated to be a slot receiver who can do some special things in the backfield as well. With so much attention going to Brandon Marshall and Alshon Jeffery, the Bears could look to take the pressure off them with a much different receiver.

2. RB Andre Williams, Boston College

Williams is suffering through some nagging injuries, but when healthy he's a strong and potent running back in college football. The Bears will likely turn to Michael Ford as the backup, but it could be tough to pass on the potential of Williams.

3. OLB Dee Ford, Auburn

Did you see the Senior Bowl? Ford had himself quite a ballgame with two sacks. He would be a great situational pass-rusher, especially if the Bears can't bring back Corey Wootton.

4. OG Anthony Steen, Alabama

Steen is coming off an injury to his shoulder, but he's a smart interior lineman who could be a starter down the road.

5. C Travis Swanson, Arkansas

The best center in the draft might be gone by this point, but he could be a great replacement for Roberto Garza.